Overview
- Veryl E. Jones, known to fans as VJ, performed his final show on July 2, 2026, ending a roughly 28-year run that began when Festival of the Lion King opened with Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998.
- Jones played the role of Kiume, the leader of the elephant section, and became especially known for his signature rendition of Scar’s song “Be Prepared.”
- The retirement was shared by fellow performer Monica Quinn through a cast video that captured standing ovations and emotional farewells posted on social media.
- Disney’s Festival of the Lion King will continue to run daily at the Harambe Theater, but the production and Disney have not announced a named successor for Jones’s role.
- Jones’s long tenure helped shape the show’s identity for regular guests and cast members and his exit may change how longtime visitors experience the performance going forward.